Local History

Local History

Maui

Legend tells us that the North Island of New Zealand is actually the world's largest fish. Maui, a Maori hero of ancient times, hooked the enormous fish during an expedition to prove his fishing prowess. If you look at a map of the North Island, you can see that Wellington is the head, Cape Taranaki & East Cape are the fins, and Northland is the tail of the fish - Te Hiku o Te Ika.

Kupe

Kupe and his crew, in his waka Matahourua, voyaged deep into the Southern Ocean. He discovered Te Ika-a-Maui, and it was his wife Kuramarotini who called the land 'Aotearoa' (land of the long white cloud). The first landfall of the waka Matahourua was the shores of the Hokianga Harbour.

Many of the tribes-people of Northland trace their ancestry back to Kupe. Maori people lived throughout Northland in kainga (villages). As today, they felt an intense closeness to their kin. They lived within the whanau (immediate family) and then within their extended family, called the hapu. The largest group they called iwi (tribe). They did not think of themselves as one people, they belonged to their tribes - Ngati Whatua, Nga Puhi, Te Roroa, Ngati Wai, Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Ngatikahu and Te Rarawa.

Explorers, traders and missionaries

Europeans began living in Northland in the late eighteenth century. They came first on voyages of scientific exploration, soon to be followed by traders seeking deep sea whales and seal colonies. Missionaries headed the next wave of arrivals. On Christmas Day in 1814, on the northern shores of the Bay of Islands, Samuel Marsden preached the first Christian sermon in New Zealand. Soon mission stations were established throughout the region.

In the early 1850s, five ship-loads of Gaelic-speaking Highlanders settled at Waipu on the east coast to create their own slice of Scotland. On the west coast, emigrants from Dalmatia lived a down to earth life digging gum. And throughout the region, colonists from England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland arrived to mill the forests and establish farms.

History that can still be seen

Historically significant sites abound in Northland. From a Maori perspective, the pa sites of Kororipo and Ruapekapeka in the Bay of Islands are culturally and spiritually important. European history can be appreciated with visits to the Stone Store and Kemp House in Kerikeri - respectively the oldest stone building and the oldest house in New Zealand. At Waitangi you can view a copy of the treaty that tied together the lives of European and Maori people when it was signed in 1840. Across the harbour from Waitangi lies Russell which was once a place of roughly spoken sailors, grog shops and bawdy houses. It was known as "the hell hole of the Pacific".

Throughout your Northland travels, you'll see that the history of the region gives character to the landscape. Quaint white churches, grand old homesteads, tiny wooden cottages, pa sites carved intomountain tops and peninsula headlands. Poignant reminders of a fascinating past. The magical essence of Northland's colourful past is preserved in historic buildings and places waiting for you to explore. Much of Northland's hundreds of miles of coastline remain unspoilt, an aquatic paradise, a truly amazing playground and experiential ecological classroom, encompassing ancient kauri forests, windswept harbours and a host of other natural experiences.

Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs offers spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and offshore Cavalli Islands. Accommodation is in 22 handsome cottage suites, each featuring their own private porch and open fireplace, nestled in a native forest overlooking the renowned Kauri Cliffs links and sea, and only a short walk from the plantation-style main lodge. Kauri Cliffs was recently awarded an almost perfect score in the 2014 Condẻ Nast Traveller Gold List and the highest ranking hotel world-wide. The Spa at Kauri Cliffs is an oasis in a Totara forest and a favourite amongst guests.

A sister lodge to Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is located in New Zealand’s North Island in the heart of Hawke’s Bay’s wine country. Set atop 6000 rolling acres with views to the Pacific Ocean, the 24 suite lodge offers “farm-luxe” at its finest. Fabulous food and wine are strong suits, with season produce sourced from the farm’s garden. A Tom Doak designed world acclaimed golf course, spa, and a spectacular 4-bedroom Owner’s Vottage are part of this lodge experience!

Matakauri Lodge is the South Island sister property to Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu and just seven kilometers from the heart of Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge is a stylish 12 suite lodge with stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range from every angle. The region’s much touted adventure offerings are all on the doorstep, yet seemingly world’s away given the lodge’s discreet setting. A recent and popular addition is Matakauri Lodge’s stunning new 4-bedroom Owner’s Cottage.